Glass backsplashes are quickly becoming more popular in kitchen design for a number of reasons: they’re inexpensive, modern, low maintenance and easy to customize. Glass offers a seamless, uninterrupted surface that has the added bonus of reflecting light, which helps to brighten up the room.

Incorporating sinks or stovetops into the surface of the island is one way to spread the workflow throughout the kitchen. Installation can be tricky, so pay attention to details like ventilation and plumbing. This will require running downward (most common in islands) or overhead venting (which can be expensive), and allocating extra space to in-cabinet pipes.

Plastic Laminate: Durable for moderate wear, comes in a multitude of colors, low end in price, can chip at the edges and shouldn’t be cut directly on.